Drug addiction is a term with which every youth is
familiar. Drug addiction has already assumed a dreadful and notorious reputation,
but the allure of this addiction is so much ingrained in the mind set of the
younger generation that they fail to understand or realize the harm which these
drugs are causing to their body. This addiction is no less than a termite which
eats away the wood to an extent that it becomes a powder, with not a slightest
sign of its not being strong and healthy till the wood is completely destroyed.

The
question arises that how children acquire this devastating and pernicious habit.
There are many parents who drink and make merry in front of their children. It
is now become a part of daily life that not only the fathers, but the mothers also
are equal partners in sharing drinks and smoking in front of the children, in
their formative years. I once personally saw both parents drunk in a party,
which they were hosting. The maid, carrying hardly a one year old child crying
loudly, entered the room. The mother took the baby and the maid went away. The
mother poured about 1/4th glass of some alcohol and made the child
drink it. The child stopped crying and everyone, including the guests,
congratulated the mother! One can infer
that this child, when grown up, will be addicted to drugs, alcohol and other
such malicious and malevolent things. Thus it is the home, where the child gets
his first lesson in ‘enjoying’ addictives.
Agreed that such incidents may be rare, but one cannot completely ignore
or rule them out.

It is mainly the home which impacts the child.
Now a day’s drinking and smoking is not only a part of any party but has become
a routine in many households. The children, especially the adolescents, who
already dream of becoming handsome and popular among friends, fall an easy prey
to such activities easily.

The
children these days even become prone to such temptations at school level. Peer
pressure is so strong that the child fears that he will be singled out, so he
falls into the trap. Here too the role of the parents is important. They must
keep their eyes and ears open. Any change in the child’s behavior must not be
ignored. We have to see that the child is in the company of friends who are
studious and coming from god fearing families. If at any time the parent is
informed that the child is missing classes or his performance in the class is
deteriorating, the parent must take a serious note of this. Some parents very,
confidently state, ’my child cannot do this’ or ‘in our family no one has any addiction.’
Just remember that drugs are easily available to the children. I have noticed
that just outside the gate of many schools there is an innocuous looking shop,
selling tea and snacks, but where harmful drugs are easily available. While
working in the Education Department, I got some such shops removed with the
help of Police Officers.

Teach
the children to be God fearing. Do not allow the kids to spend a night in a
friend’s house, unless you ensure that no one in that family can have an
adverse effect on the child’s mind. When some scenes are shown on TV or in
Movies, take advantage of the situation and explain the
harmful effects of addiction to the children.There are many sensible parents who abstain from
drinks and other such harmful addictives to convey an unambiguous message to
the children to stay away from it. Such positive actions on the part of the
parents equip the children to make sensible decisions in life when they grow
up. If your child confesses that he/she was forced to take a drugby a friend, don’t just put it off by saying
that, ‘don’t do it again’, but have a heart to heart talk with your child so
that in future he/she has the strength to say a firm ‘no’ to it.

I end this article on a positive note that let
tomorrow bring a new sunshine in your mind, and take you on the path of health,
happiness and harmony. Remember the
words of a famous author, Kurt Cuba,“Drugs
are a waste of time. They destroy your memory and your self-respect and everything
that goes along with your self esteem.”

Devil and deep sea no love lost between them, forever enmity. Teacher and taught bond of trust between them unites the two. Father and son life long unity between. Family ties.Written for Haiku Horizons prompt 'Between'. http://myblog-verses.blogspot.com/2015/05/74.html here

My mother is no more, but her a smiling face, her affectionate hugs, and soothing words are always a source of inspiration for me. The word 'mother' is a balm for her children. Mother is the living God on earth. God created mother as His own image.Since God can not be by the side of all children, He created mother to nurture them, to love them and to protect them. I always remember the smiling face of my mom. She had to look after five children but I never heard her complaining that she was tired. Not that she was not tired, but she always looked fresh and charming. My father was holding a senior position. Quite often he had to host parties. My mother had studied only up to class tenth, but had mastered the technique of moving in high circles and be a perfect hostess. She accompanied my father to all social gatherings. She used to drive the car and saw to it that her daughters learnt driving.

Every year on their marriage anniversary, my parents used to take a family photograph. I am standing behind my father.This was taken about sixty years ago.

My mother was deeply religious. Quite often there used to be recitation of Akhand Ramayana in our house.With the blessings of God,the family was happy, peaceful and united.It is due to mother's blessing that all her progeny is well settled.

Small things matter Every one aspires to achieve the highest. No doubt ambition to reach the highest step the of the ladder of life is a good motto. But, and it is big BUT, that with out stepping on the lowest step of the ladder, you can not proceed further. Moreover to achieve higher things in life, we have to learn to live in a society, to be acceptable to others. We are not living alone in the society.

When we come to the world, we come like a blank slate. We fill this slate by our actions. I am listing below a few small things which reflect our manners.1, The words 'please', 'may I' and 'thank you', are very important. Teach your children to always say these words at every step in their daily routine. 2 Always talk softly and have a smiling demeanour.3.In a group meeting give an opportunity to others also to speak. 4.Learn to follow table etiquettes.5. Teach the children to switch off electricity and water when they are done with.

Written for A week in writing prompt# 84 word prompt 'small.'pics courtesy google

Trust is one the most important of all feelings in human relations. It is neither taught in a formal class room nor any training is required to imbibe the quality of trust in another person. It is instinctive to a great extent. Right from childhood the children observe their parents. They very well understand who are the people whom their parents trust. They form an idea who are trustworthy.

Trust is very important in mutual relations. specially in marital relations and at work place. If the boss always views his emlpoyees with suspicion he/she will never develop trust for them. In such a situation the employees will always be in a state of uncertainty. Trust begets trust.

Trust is the name for sincerity, which is very essential for any marriage to last. If once lost, it will be difficult to to re establish it.

Just to divert your mind from this serious subject. Here is a joke which is doing the rounds these days.

A lady called her husband and asked him,''Where are you, darling?''

The husband replied,'' At home, sweetheart.''

The wife said,''Switch on our conversation,when you proposed to me.''

The husband did so. This went on for three days. On the fourth day , when she reached home, he was not at home.

She asked her son,''Where is your Papa?''The boy replied,'' He has gone out. He was carrying the tape recorder.'' Written for Write Tribe-#WYHO #1

Today Ruby is fifty and it is her father's twentieth death anniversary.Her red and swollen eyes, did not sleep last night. ''Oh God, I killed my Pop''. How could she forget that night!!She was very head strong. Her father fulfilled all her demands. That night he did not agree to her. He did not allow her to marry his driver!! Red with rage, she took her car and rushed out. Her father rushed behind her in his car. He tried to overtake her car on the bridge, but lost control. The car rolled down straight into river.(100 words)

Thursday, 24 September 2015

When we come to the world, we come empty handed, we come without any thing , not even a piece of cloth on our body. Whatever we acquire in this journey of life is the result of our actions and deeds. All gains or losses, success and wealth we achieve in the world. If we ponder upon this truth, we will realise what we have gained and what have we lost. These gains and losses constitute the balance sheet of life.

If we glance through the above chart, we realise what are the assets in our and also what are our liabilities. Our aim in life is to add to our assets and get rid of the liabilities. Life starts with birth, we can call it the opening balance, which is nil. Deathis the closing balance. In the period between life and death, our creative thoughts and activities add to our assets. Our brain is like a fixed asset. Our positive ideas like patience, love, gratitude, good behaviour are capital gains. Good education and experience add to our assets. Our aim should be keep our records like open cards. We must develop and nurture good habits which will go a long way in pushing up our dividends. The most amazing computer in the world ever invented, our brain, must always be kept active by feeding it with necessary inputs. The children are like bonus. They may always be well serviced to be utilised even at short notice. Traits like anger, excuses,selfishness. gossip. anger and fear are destructive obstacles which act as a hurdle must be kept at bay.The deadliest enemy, the tongue can create serious setbacks to our balance sheet. Faith, determination, a smile, integrity and enthusiasm are great vehicles to add to our assets. The most important assets are prayer and trust in God!

Wednesday, 23 September 2015

James and Matilda, childhood friends, strengthened their bond by getting married. They grew up in an orphanage. They were a happy couple. Both worked in the same office Their dreams had come true.There were no worries or tensions in their life, They had a cosy two room apartment. James was a perfect partner. They performed all household chores together. Life was a bed of roses. In their righteous life there was no struggle or conflict.

One day Matilda realised that she was on the family way.Both of them were on seventh heaven. Every day they discussed whether the baby would be a girl or a boy.They prepared a list of things to be bought.Some days when Matilda felt unwell, James stayed with her at home.Time passed . Matilda was in the eighth month. She could not attend office and stayed at home. One day she slipped in the bathroom. She was in great pain. Her condition was pathetic. James rushed home and took her to a nursing home.The Doctor examined her and told James that she would have to be aborted, as foetus was damaged. James was mad with agony. After the surgery,he wanted to be with her. The Doctor told him that his wife was under sedation. She also told him that Matilda would no longer be able to conceive. James was, as if mad. All of a sudden life changed for the happy couple.Matilda was in no position to attend office. James close friend William's wife was expecting a third baby. The delivery was due any day.He offered to give the baby to Matilda. He told James that offer was made with his wife's consent. James was over whelmed.He had no words to thank William. Happy days were there again.

1.Troiku is an interesting form of poem, We have to write three Haiku from the three rows of the main Haiku.2. From the first second and third line of this Haiku we are supposed to write three Haiku.3. Each Haiku to begin with the three rows of the main Haiku.Main HaikuAutumn leaves(1) spread like bright carpet(2) on the green grass.(3)Autumn leavesfragrance all around, fall is here.Spread like bright carpetwish to fall asleep, butterflies attract. On the green grass bright leaves fade, none immortal.Written for Carpe Diem Tokubetsudesu #62 Troiku

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Due to misunderstanding some times embarrassing situations arise. I am a chronic forgetful person. I confuse days and dates.This has often landed me in awkward situations. The other day I met a very close friend of mine from college days at the mall. We were overwhelmed to see each other. In fact I was seeing her after fifteen years. We were reminiscing our college days. She reminded me of several escapades we had together. We also exchanged notes about our family. She had a son and a daughter,as i too have. We were not aware how the time passed.It was time to leave. Suddenly she surprised me by inviting me and my family for dinner on Saturday or Sunday, preferably on Sunday. I accepted the invitation. After coming home I told my husband and the children that we had to go for dinner on Saturday, forgetting the preference for Sunday. On Saturday evening we sallied forth to my friend's house. We were taken to the living room, I noticed embarrassment on my friend's face. We continued with the conversation. After about half an hour some snacks and drinks were served. Thereafter there was no talk of dinner. The children came from inside and said ,'' Mom, let us leave''. My husband, who is a very frank and jovial person said,'' We are waiting for dinner.'' My friend , who looked puzzled, looked at me and said,'' Did I not invite you for Sunday?'' I was confused and said,''Sorry, but I thought it was for Saturday.'' Now she looked confused, and looked at her husband, who immediately found a solution. He said, ''Our friends should not go hungry.'' They ordered dinner from a nearby restaurant. We went home satisfied. This incident happened quite some time ago. I am till now not sure whether it was the result of confusion or forgetfulness!!#Anything goes on a Sunday

Monday, 21 September 2015

Last month we came home late after dinner. I was shocked to see so many lights on. In all the rooms lights were on. The A/Cs were also on and TV was also on. I always wondered why our electricity bill was too high. Since that day, I ensured that we must use power judiciously.By ensuring that we are not wasting power, we have been able to cut down our consumption. Actually it is not difficult to control the usage of power. It requires a little more attention. There is a popular saying 'save power today for a better tomorrow'. We need to have only minor adjustments.

1. We should use LED bulbs instead of ordinary bulbs. Even though they are costly, they last longer and have a better light.

2. We must buy wires, switches of standard companies. They last longer and save power,

3. If we are not using an appliance, we must remove the plug from the socket. At night it is essential to remove all plugs from the computers, lap tops and other appliances, which are not used at night.4 If we want to have some light the whole night,we must have a zero power bulb on.

5.Children must be trained to switch off the light/fan/ TV/AC/ or any other appliance when they go from one room to another. 6. Use light curtains so the rooms do not look dark in the morning.We are fortunate that we have electricity. With a gentle touch we can bring bright light in a pitch dark place. Every comfort, entertainment, utility and health devices and almost every thing we see or use, is dependent on electric inventions. Just imagine how and what will the world be without electricity! I have experienced life without the magic of light! Soon after my marriage, 56 years ago, I went to Kerala to my husband's house in a small town, Tattamangalam. There was no electricity in the town. In the evening, workers climbed on to the poles and lit a kerosene lamp . Inside the house there was no question of electricity. In the evening my mother in law used to light lamps which were too dim . At night when there was breeze, thunder and lighting, combined with the music of frogs,owls, bats and other unknown creatures, it was very scary. Things changed fast. We went there after one year and the same house which looked scary a year ago, was like any other posh house. With electricity came tube well, gobar gas plant, good toilets with hot water, TV, telephone and all other facilities. Electricity converted the whole place into a fairy land. Written for Write Tribe, # Monday Musings.

Winter is knocking our doors. The sun rests longer in its abode Birds shy to twitter early morning Fans and A/Cs get time to relax. We shy to come out of coxy beds Kids miss their colas, icecreams. Mothers fear their cough and cold Youth have free thoughts. no inhibitions. (50 words)

Sunday, 20 September 2015

I was inaugurated by the Governor fifty years ago. I was decorated with garlands of yellow marigold flowers. There was enthusiasm in the air. Loud speakers were installed at all strategic points. I felt on top of the world. Scouts and girl guides were lined to welcome the chief guest. Ah! Today I am old and infirm. The seat of learning has withered. Rain water has collected in and out of the building. Alas no one is interested in discipline in Education. The edifice which was once robust, is now crumbling. It is a mirror of the state of affairs today.Written for Friday Fictioneers picture prompt.

Thursday, 17 September 2015

Labored, adjective: done with great effort and difficulty, (especially of humor or a performance) not spontaneous or fluent.

Noxious, adjective: harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.

Sheena was a self centred girl. She was bright and

intelligent. The only problem was that she was a very

lazy child. She was arrogant and did mix with other

children in the class.Her work. though correct in content was very haphazard in presentation, hence she never got good marks. Slowly she lost interest in studies and her work became noxious.When the final year reults were declared, she was detained!

In the new session Mira, a new teacher was

in-charge of the class.She noticed that Sheena was

always quiet and did not take any interest in the class. Mira obtained her past record. Mira made her sit in the first row. Slowly Sheena showed signs of improvement.

Whatever work the teacher assigned, she finished it fast

and submitted in time to the teacher.Shelaboured hard and also mixed with other children. In the end of term she topped in the class.

-----------------------------After her college Sheena appeared for IAS and got through with flying colors. One day when she reached office she saw an old lady waiting outside on a bench. Sheena recognised her and touched her feet. All the people waiting for the officer were shocked. Sheena proudly announced, ''She is my living God''.Written for 3wwweeks 445 for Wednesday